Against Nihilism

[@vlogbrothers]

Hi! Pizzamas starts next week and this beard will finally achieve its higher purpose. pizzamas.com Thanks for being here with us. -John

[@robertjarman3703]

What do you think about Kurzgesagt´s video on optimistic nihilism?

[@AutisticRebbetzen]

Why did you choose to put this on Yom Kippur? That choice makes it look a whole lot like y'all don't care about including Jews at your event. Who else are you going to leave out? Will it be wheelchair accessible? Will there be closed captions and/or ASL interpreters? Will there be a quiet area where people can address sensory overload? When charity events are not inclusive, the excluded groups end up looking like they don't care about the cause. Those who are included only see that those of us who are excluded aren't there.

[@DragCadRacing]

The beard is almost "ripe". 😄

[@NinjaPeko22]

Man. I love you John. The Mongols!

[@TheTruthseeker707]

One can’t help and look at the world and if you really know what is going on it will lead you to 2 places only. One, there is no God and no meaning or 2 There is a God and meaning. If there is no God than nihilism is correct. If there is no more to life than death, why go out my way to do good? Because trying to be good takes work. If there is no God, no hope I would probably just life happen. I for one, know this is not random. This life is not forces acting on forces. That there is a reason for you reading this comment. I believe that there is so much meaning in life that the Creator sent his only Son Jesus Christ to die for you and what you have done wrong , that’s how much meaning you have. There is ZERO hope in man but there is ONLY hope in Jesus Christ. Look with a pure heart you will find, It won’t be easy but you will find hope. Have a great day family.

[@AgentMaayan]

"We don't live in the grand scheme of things" is such an important reminder.

[@Magic__7]

This is the quote I took from this video

[@rafaelah1492]

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[@michaelodonnell824]

No. But we do live in a World where, for a STUNT, the Governor of a State and one of his Party's front runners to be the next President treated 48 Migrants like some of us wouldn't treat a cat, dog or spider - and he will suffer NO CONSEQUENCES. We live in a World where the LAST elected President attempted to have a crowd of his supporters LYNCH his Vice President. We live in a World where many (probably most) of those we licence to protect us from crimes are incredibly and incorrigibly Racist. We live in a World where, because ONE old Woman died, millions of people, old, young and middle-aged, will go through this winter cold and hungry and the media that SOOO focussed their attention on the dead old Woman, will give NO ATTENTION to the Millions. and we live in a World where more people want to bury their head in the sand, listening to the Music and WAtching the Art, than actually DO SOMETHING about ANY of the issues outlined above.... But don't worry about it, "In the Grand scheme of things" the Governor, the ex President, the Racist Cops, the Old Woman, the Media and you and I will be dead - so there's NO REASON to care about ANYTHING - Is There?!!!

[@basilharrison3071]

I am chronically depressed and the depression manifests as existentialism and especially nihilism. Few things have or will ever help it and “We don’t live in the grand scheme of things” will be a maxim to carry with me FOREVER

[@argetlamzn]

This is also the quote I am taking away from this video. It is so easy to sink deeper into the miasma of gloom and depression thinking of all the things that will ultimately end badly in the grand scheme of things. It is comforting to remember that we aren’t there yet and we can still take positive action.

[@XANDRE.]

My husband passed away unexpectedly four weeks ago today. I had been getting him into your videos. This one feels placed here for me.

[@mamemckee2190]

💛💔💛

[@gurlmagia]

I’m so sorry for your loss! I hope you are filled with hope and love.

[@vroomcats]

I am very sorry for your loss❤

[@deanna_abby]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@XANDRE.]

@@mamemckee2190 Thank you 💙🖤

[@davidsimpson7229]

John rejects nihilism with his words, but embraces it with his beard.

[@DawnyPotter]

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[@aidenbw5939]

Holy crap you killed him dude

[@hrmmmmmm]

Definitely came here to say something to the same effect. If you think your actions have meaning, you really need to give a moment’s care to your appearance, John….

[@davidsimpson7229]

@@aidenbw5939 Someone had to say it.

[@davidsimpson7229]

@@hrmmmmmm Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a hater. I can respect a nihilistic aesthetic.

[@KingLimeIX]

"We don't live in the grand scheme of things" 9 simple words. 1 huge step back from the edge of the cliff. Thank you John.

[@thepredman9lol266]

Don't let the darkness win. I hope you're doing okay 💗

[@jamesabestos2800]

Nigeria

[@lilham48]

“No matter how corrupt, greedy, and heartless our government, our corporations, our media, and our religious & charitable institutions may become, the music will still be wonderful.” -Kurt Vonnegut

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

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[@beaub152]

love that guy

[@cjxgraphics]

Just not what's on the radio. Committee approved, scientifically engineered to appeal to the lowest common denominator, while bringing in the most profit. Real, good music is out there. It's just mostly not on the radio any more. A gigantic F YOU to Clearchannel.

[@Arkatox]

@@cjxgraphics But honestly, radio has become obsolete to a degree. Most people nowadays have access to the internet. To KZbin. To Spotify. Who cares what's popular? Good music has always existed and always will exist. What's popular stops being annoying when you stop caring about it, and just listen to what you love.

[@wannabehuman]

This is one of the reasons I so badly want to be an artist/musician

[@SaganHawkes]

This also reminds me of something Norm MacDonald said, along the lines of: The universe isn't "cold and uncaring", because people are not separate from the universe; we are part of the universe. Therefore, if people care, if people find meaning, then the universe does care, there is meaning to be found in the universe. I'm paraphrasing my interpretation of what he said of course, but that idea is very comforting.

[@countmrvhs776]

also Norm MacDonald: *HAHH?!?!* but yeah, this was a good quote too

[@A_Stoic]

So what is the meaning?

[@MissingTrails]

That's the horizontal aspect of what Judeo-Christian theology means by humans being the image of God.

[@tyrjilvincef9507]

Norm MacDonald also pointed out that people commit suicide because life gets worse and worse until it ends in a catastrophe. What's going to happen to you and your loved ones is absolutely horrible btw, and there's no way around it: you're fucking doomed and your suffering and dying will have been literally all for nothing.

[@countmrvhs776]

@@tyrjilvincef9507 this guy sounds like a real jerk

[@d14551]

I love the way you hurl your words into the darkness, John, it's encouraging.

[@youruniquehandle2]

I really like (or rather I'm compelled by) the imagery of "hurling" your words. It can either be interpreted as throwing with great effort, like an urgent message wrapped around a heavy weight, or violently vomiting to expel waste. Both work equally well in my mind.

[@Shutupalready47]

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[@Shutupalready47]

@@youruniquehandle2 while you’re thinking about it, I could use some help deciding if rolling down my windows on the highway and yelling over the wind counts as “hurling words into the darkness”

[@katieh4101]

I'm in tears right now. I'm dealing with some health issues, and my mother drove to my apartment today to walk my dog. She also surprised me with freshly baked cookies. I felt so loved and heard and connected. Helping and loving and listening are so meaningful.

[@elderlyoogway]

I hope the best for you, also in a similar situation!! It's good to have small reminders of the good things while we're passing challenging times, be it from those around us or people like John :)

[@katieh4101]

@@elderlyoogway Thanks for the good vibes, Jooji! Sending them right back your way 💖✨

[@rsklinge]

A group of almost 9,000 people in Rochester, NY, attended a baseball game this past weekend. The crowd cheered when their hometown team scored the first run, but interrupted that cheer to cheer even louder for the dog sent out to pick up the bat used by the teammate that drove the runner home. Humans as individuals are amazing, and humans as a society can be problematic, but humans in a medium-ish size group can sometimes be incredible.

[@erinmariecece]

I love this so much

[@hconf]

This!!!

[@kristinisreading4866]

Milo!

[@jackkrell4238]

While I wouldn't exactly say that humans are amazing or have inherent value( as I'm a pessimistic misanthrope, and I utterly despise my species), I do acknowledge our occasional excitement and enthusiasm for wildlife which is nice I guess. Even if cynics are more rational and critical than optimists( from my point of view), I'm aware of the feelings of respite that come from blissful ignorance and blind optimism. As someone fascinated with birds and currently works with them and plans to dedicate my life to researching them( Falconry, while technically meaningless, is a wonderful hunting sport in my eyes), I've found my true passion in this otherwise bleak and corrupt world. If you forget your own path in life, and focus on self improvement and comfort, peace will only come naturally.

[@tedb5792]

what is the threshold?

[@samanthamiller832]

This is exactly what I needed today. I had a tough therapy appointment today for a flair up of existential OCD/intellectualistic coping mechanisms, and this is precisely what we talked about.

[@inquisitiveterrestrian]

Nihilism is frequent among people suffering from those problems, and it’s important for you to remember that you aren’t alone in your pain, none of us are. I genuinely hope you’re feeling better, and I’m glad you’re talking to someone about this. DFTBA.

[@basilharrison3071]

I am chronically depressed and the depression manifests as existentialism and especially nihilism. Few things have or will ever help it and “We don’t live in the grand scheme of things” will be a helping maxim to carry with me FOREVER after this. Thank you for being who you are John

[@Woodledude]

I'm fairly certain I have PDD, so as a fellow chronically depressed, I've found this viewpoint has developed inside me for some time now, and it's been a guiding star for some time now. Among my others... -Your life is an unfolding infinity. If you keep going, things will change - They always change - and giving up now collapses your infinity into a single point of misery. Would you really eschew endless possibility? Would you be so bold to think that the boundless universe, in boundless time, will hold nothing worth living for? -Sometimes it is okay, and even important, to accept sadness, to let things just suck for a while. It's okay. You can't be happy all the time, it's exhausting. You'll get back to being happy when you can. The best thing you can do sonetimes is manage your most destructive emotions in the least destructive way possible. Let them exist, don't let them hurt anyone. Anyone includes you. Don't do anything to yourself you can't easily recover from. -The universe may not care, there may be nothing good inherent in the fabric of reality - But on the other side of that coin, there's nothing inherently bad about the universe, either. The universe is not evil, is not malicious, is not conspiring against you, out to get you. You'd be pretty rapidly and messily dead if it was, trust me. I find some comfort in the fact that the universe is just sort of chilling. The rocks will sit there until someone picks them up and throws them to a new resting spot. Maybe sometimes rocks will turn into gravel or sand, but in that destruction, there is equally creation. We get to decide what's good, what's bad - And what we don't need to care about. Which really, by practical necessity, is almost everything. And that's okay. You can focus your attention. I helped a good friend of mine get through suicidal depression. At the time, I basically broke through their nihilism by just saying "Stay alive for me. Please." I treated their continued existence as a favor they were doing for me, and I did them the favor of being there to help them through that. I promised them things would get better. That can sometimes feel like an empty promise, especially on the receiving end - One might argue that the universe has no obligation to be so kind as to improve one's life. But, statistically speaking, if you're young and in even vaguely passable health, it's pretty damn likely things will improve. There are a couple reasons for this. -You have a lot of time ahead of you. Just rolling the dice enough times is going to get you a couple good rolls eventually. -You're going to keep accrueing experience, and that will always help. Even if your experience is just being miserable and hopeless in largely the same way you've always done, that's still data, and your brain can still work with it. Experience and wisdom have a way of prying open doors you didn't even realize were there. -Statistically speaking, the worse of a spot you're in, the more likely it is that things can improve at least a little, with not a lot of effort or investment. Unfortunately this isn't always true on the micro scale, especially in a socioeconomic lens, but on average it's true in the long term, and makes some logical sense. Yes, the universe has no obligations to not make things worse, but each deeper plane of misery takes more unlikely events to keep you there for long periods of time. At any given moment that's worse than usual, it could still get worse, but is more likely to get better. Hopefully someone finds this late-night ramble useful. I'm going to sleep now.

[@miriamg495]

There was a time in my life when I was struggling with an identity crisis/possibly depression but never diagnosed, which similarly to your experience manifested as existentialism and nihilism. The way I ended up thinking of things that helped me was, "Okay, let's say every life begins the same way with birth and ends the same way with death, and that's it. But two stories with the same beginning and ending are not the same story if they're different in the middle. So what we do in the middle does matter even if it doesn't change the end." I think it's basically the same idea as "We don't live in the grand scheme of things." If it helps, it's yours to use!

[@Aimless_Red]

@@Woodledude Very useful. Thank you.

[@johnchesterfield9726]

I don’t know if anyone wants to read it, but I’ve written about this and watching this video inspired me to write some more about it and this is what I have: What is meaning? Meaning is about significance, or importance. If something is significant or important, then it must be of value. It can not be of value to something, because things can not value anything. All of our precious metals worth millions on earth would have no value in the absence of human minds to value them. Thus, in order for anything to be significant or important, there must be a mind or agent capable of valuing things. So with these clarifications in mind, we can attempt to answer the question: Does human life have meaning From the perspective of the cosmos, the answer is no. The universe does not have the qualities required to value anything. Namely, it lacks self-awareness and can not be a subject that reaps benefits from anything. The universe does not care whether there are more diamonds or less diamonds in the universe. The universe does not value a universe with humans over a universe without humans. We do not inherently add any value to the universe by existing in the universe. But this is simply the incorrect source on which to search for meaning. It makes no difference to us whether or not the universe values human life or not. This troubles some people, but I also notice that such people do not spend any time worrying if their lives and thoughts are of value to a rock. Rocks are insentient, they simply cannot care about your thoughts. A rock cannot care for, benefit from, nor value anything for that matter. So why should it be any different for the universe? Why do so many people spend time worrying if their lives have any meaning from the perspective of the universe? We need not peer into the heavens or in nature to find meaning prescribed to our lives. The universe is simply indifferent and has none such to offer. Even if the universe did value you, what would it avail? Your life would not change in any significant way if you come to find out the universe values you. Sure, it might quench your existential thirst for a temporary period of time, but you’ll still carry on living the way you’ve been living everyday, and yet again confronted by the monotonous cycle of everyday life your existential thirst will soon return thereafter and you’ll be left wondering whether gaining the universe’s approval was itself of any value to begin with. It didn’t benefit you or change your life. Maybe we are thinking too grand, and the search for meaning in a mostly barren and callously indifferent universe is much closer than one thinks. There is no meaning to be found on a grand scale, but there is meaning to be found in our neighbors, friends, and families. Humans have the cognitive qualities to care for one another and find value in the existence of another. Even those who lack meaningful relationships with others are still agents themselves. The cosmos is not experiencing anything, but you are. And that’s what makes it possible for you to value your own life. Gaining the universe’s approval will not change our lives, only you are capable of doing that. You are the one that value the quality of your life and not the universe. You are the very arbiter of meaning, not the universe. You have the liberty to forge your own meaning based on what it is that you personally value and find fulfillment in. You are the one that infuses meaning unto a meaningless universe and not the other way around. You are the one that fills an empty and otherwise thoughtless void of the universe with life and thoughts. In other words, the source of meaning is found in you. It is a waste of time to pretend the universe values your existence when it is enough that you are of value to yourself and to those that care about you.

[@jessieharrington784]

“Yeah, maybe nothing matters but only until we make things matter” hit me like a ton of bricks. You always find a way to speak in a way that soothes fears I didn’t even know I had. Thank you John

[@xfreja]

@classic max fr

[@tyrjilvincef9507]

@classic max He's just for imposing his valuation of everything on everybody else. He says this, but then if you don't care about special groups of people and actively lick their buttholes, he wants you imprisoned or killed. He's a Christian (confirmed absolute idiot) btw.

[@ProduccionesLukaz]

@classic max true

[@DanielB32]

“Now, there's this about cynicism, Sergeant. It's the universe's most supine moral position. Real comfortable. If nothing can be done, then you're not some kind of shit for not doing it, and you can lie there and stink to yourself in perfect peace.” ― Lois McMaster Bujold, The Borders of Infinity

[@cf453]

I've read a LOT of excellent science fiction, but never Bujold. That's going to change.

[@KooblayKhan]

I am happy that we both had the same reaction to the video! This is a very good quote and I'll remember it. I'm going to try and put it in my own words, and other readers I recommend you do too. "Nihilism starts nice, because then you don't have to do anything! Optimism ends nice, because you are proud to have tried."

[@Axqu7227]

This just reads to me as a judgment that running out of hope and energy and being unable to manufacture them from nothing is a personal moral failing rather than someone who needs help.

[@Jesse__H]

@@Axqu7227 That's an interesting objection! Maybe it depends on how you self-categorize your nihilism. Like, when my depression hits really hard I don't care about *_anything_* ... but I also know that that is not the way I feel in my heart of hearts, and so I just need to work on finding my way back to a better headspace. Nihilism as a symptom VS nihilism as a maxim?

[@13darkjems]

A Bujold quote in the wild!

[@Houkuko]

My younger sister (she's 26, I'm 36) was stuck in this rut for a while, and we were talking and she mentioned that there's no point trying to be happy because happiness doesn't matter. And I wish I remembered what I said exactly but it basically boiled down to mentioning that sadness and hopeless don't matter so there's no point to those feelings either, and if you only have a little time to experience anything then trying happiness seems at least like the more comfortable option. She seems to be doing a little better lately.

[@allyson--]

Slay

[@luisoviedo8948]

:,)

[@morebirdsandroses]

I was in that "why bother, doesn't matter" place until I realized it felt like wearing a hair shirt on the inside anyway. I like much better being the blithe idiot who just decides to let things matter and look for the better light in things. It's hard to put into words, but I'd rather enjoy than look for " justification".😁😸🏵️🦋

[@allyson--]

@@morebirdsandroses agree!! if anything shame & guilt are the "reasons" we often use to discredit ourseselves & others. When in reality, we all mattered the entire time. There is space on this planet for us all to have our needs met & contribute to one anothers' lives

[@Meraxes6]

I realized this when I was younger too: if nothing matters, then everything matters equally. So why not make my little corner of the world a tiny bit better? Wallowing in cynicism isn’t fun in the long run, been there, done that.

[@okaykatieokay]

I've been watching vlogbrothers since 2012 when I was 13 years old, and I am unbelievably grateful for that, because you and your brother have taught me to believe that people are fundamentally good - and this is one of my foundational beliefs. Thank you for reminding me of this.

[@CiubyX]

By and large, friend, by and large. You can't talk beauty, fairness or ethics with someone whose basic needs are not fullfiled - I hope we take care of those people and in so we take care of ourselves.

[@angelalott2383]

I couldn't agree more. Been watching since 2011 and I know exactly what you mean. DFTBA

[@theyare_alyx]

It's wild to me to think that when I was also 13 in 2012 getting into Vlogbrothers, there were others. I love this 💖💖 thank u for sharing!

[@plutoisaplanet19]

I've been watching since 2010/2011 and I totally agree. I am so thankful I fell into this rabbit hole and this community at that time, rather than those who could have made me turn against my fellow humans.

[@dopdahl16]

I have also been watching since 2012 when I was 13! John and Hank have pulled me back from the mental chasms of nihilism time and time again, and have built a community I feel at home in. Thank you for being part of that home. DFTBA

[@ourphilosophyis9119]

"We don't LIVE in the grand scheme of things." THANK YOU! I've been trying to find a way to express this for YEARS.

[@tayzk5929]

It doesn't sound like anything more than rhetoric to me.

[@louismyers8845]

"Our responsibility is to make meaning and acknowledging the meaning in other people's lives" I love this ideology and am also "broadly in favor of humans"

[@jroth4883]

I too am broadly in favor of humans and one of the biggest things I got from The Anthropocene Reviewed is that John Green is the rarest of literary creatures; the optimistic humanist. Most humanists, like another famous Indianapolis writer, fall to pessimism because while humans are amazing we are also, as John said, a disaster. Scratch a cynic, find a humanist. I frequently fall into this trap. But John doesn't have the luxury of cynicism because cynicism will literally kill him. He has to live as an exposed nerve. And as a counterbalance to all the darkness he is one of our most important voices going to day. Thanks, John, for reminding us to take off the armor once in a while.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

What a useless thing to subscribe. That's a world view waiting to backfire spectacularly without the proper moral constraints.

[@arleyantes9321]

@@robertortiz-wilson1588 Care to elaborate?

[@LarryHow]

Nihilism is truth. The only problem is that people think that “nothing matters” is the bottom. In actuality After you fall through the nihilism hole and hit the true bottom you realize that because nothing matter, you have to make the most of everything and every moment. Ergo, because nothing matters, everything matters. Everything you do matters. You are your universe, and in the grand scheme of the universe you, your friends, your family, essentially your entire world, are all that matters.

[@arleyantes9321]

@@LarryHow there are many different schools of thought labeled as nihilism. I do, in fact, subscribe to existentialism, which "is a humanism". But there might be antihumanist nihilist positions.

[@flazzorb]

I am a nihilist, but not a normal one. I have the view that when there is nothing to tell you what's worth living for, suddenly there's nothing telling you what not to live for.

[@maxresdefault_]

Watching Everything Everywhere All At Once was quite an experience. The villain of the film is nihilism incarnate and they make a pretty solid case for not caring. By the end though, you kinda love being alive

[@alwaysardent1125]

absolutely

[@mustardsfire22]

It's a testament to the power of Waymond Wang as a character.

[@curtisbme]

@@mustardsfire22 I prefer Racoon Waymond.

[@flowerheit4512]

Gosh yes, "i would rather be here with you"

[@trbz_8745]

Hands down best movie I've ever seen. Maybe I'm biased because I went through pretty much the same journey via depression so I related with it extra hard but damn what a good film

[@rachaelmarks2]

“I know that optimism at the moment feels cringy” thank you John

[@cappycook]

I pretty much went from nihilism "why bother" to "why not". It's the comfort of knowing nothing matters, so why not see what we can do with what we have here

[@gargantuangouda605]

this.

[@MissPurplishPink]

i love this, captain cook.

[@virtualvegan7376]

That was pretty much Nietzsche's teaching

[@sparshjohri1109]

This is the version I subscribe to as well. I feel like Nihilism has value in that it allows people to divorce themselves from the mundane things that occupy life and feel as if they're too enormous to grapple with, but responding to Nihilism with hopelessness is just an easy way out that doesn't end up making anyone feel any better.

[@DuhPhd]

The only true top comment on this video

[@paolaliendo1651]

Hi John! I've been subscribed for about a decade but don't comment often, so I'm not even sure you'll see this one. I just wanted to say that I've been going through a really difficult time recently-the death of a parent, big battles between my brain and, well, my brain-but your recent videos, including this one, have brought me a lot of comfort. I really appreciate it. Sending you, as best as I can, equal amounts of joy and warmth and comfort.

[@aliakeers7950]

hope you are doing good! soft hugs to you:)

[@aleyha_]

The nihilism that exists in myself transformed into "nothing matters and that's the reason why i should do the things that makes me happy and why i should enjoy existing with the people i feel connected with"

[@ht21]

Same, but more existentialism

[@Greenicegod]

So many people here thinking that nihilism and cynicism are the same... Nihilism is the acceptance of the true meaninglessness of the universe; cynicism is letting the universe dominate you. Giving up without a fight, accepting the universe's meaninglessness as your own. I'm an optimist *because* I'm a nihilist. I laugh at the universe's absurdity, and make my own meaning!

[@fpahrabael6932]

and then there is law...

[@TheRoark]

Is hedonism really the best substitute for transcendent meaning?

[@aleyha_]

@@TheRoark not the best, but it's what's been effective for me upon recent realizations

[@AnarchyPenguin]

My housemates and I have been watching the Ring of Power series, and I think "We don't live in the grand scheme of things" is why elves and man have such a problem with each other. Because Tolkien's elves DO live in the grand scheme of things and that makes it hard for them to really see the struggle of humans as important or something that needs to be dealt with. They can only see the large evil of Sauron and the destruction he can bring unto the world

[@quintingell]

"we don't live in the grand scheme of things" is the most nihilistic optimism and I'm here for it

[@philipgentry1105]

I knew I had heard “optimism” and “nihilism” from somewhere before. Is it “optimistic nihilism,” or “nihilistic optimism”? I get why people reject nihilism, but why haven’t I heard people discuss and explore it thoroughly? Have I just been looking in the wrong place?

[@parkourbee2]

Not nihilistic optimism, but humble pragmatic optimism.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

We do though.

[@YarrBr0]

@Robert Ortiz-Wilson - did you watch the video

[@flowerheit4512]

@@parkourbee2 it is nihilistic optimism though: nothing has meaning in the grand scheme of things so we should focus on the meaning we create here, now. One must imagine Sisyphus happy

[@anhvu6824]

"Maybe life is meaningless. But only until we make it meaningful" You blew my mind away everytime

[@katiem.3109]

This is actually one of the core principles behind existentialist philosophy. See, for example, Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus, in which Sisyphus of classic myth creates his own meaning and happiness despite his endless toil.

[@aayush_789]

The struggle itself towards the height is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy

[@IbexWatcher]

“I know sometimes it hurts more to hope and it hurts more to care, but you have to promise me that you won't stop caring.” - Katara

[@tavernwenchreads]

I’m not sure why but this made me start crying. I felt more hopeful after listening to this.

[@justgraceanne]

John, I have never clicked on a video faster. This is so very needed, today and every day. "There is meaning in us and how we are bound together," is what I need every day. Also, I still love watching your Fortnite Pacifist series with my boyfriend and will always want a merch series with things like "I'm in capital Big trouble," and "now THAT'S a good bush," on them.

[@vlogbrothers]

I miss playing Fortnite as a pacifist. I'm just so bad at streaming video games. (And also streaming in general.) Thanks for the kind words. -John

[@justgraceanne]

@@vlogbrothers i understand! i'll keep rewatching those forever, but if you do ever decide to stream them again, i'll be first in line to watch, for sure.

[@cbjgirl23]

so happy to hear that someone else still enjoys john's fortnite videos! its probably one of my favorite series on youtube

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

I third it!!!! I'm a die hard Wimbledon fan but if I had to chose between FIFA played in a mediocre fashion or Fortnite played in a mediocre fashion, I'd pick the bush camping any day!! 🤣

[@bugspray6662]

I'm having a really hard time feeling bound to the rest of the world. I grew up heavily isolated from the entire "secular" world. It all feels unfamiliar and unwelcoming. I'm really glad I found this channel though.

[@mccom7862]

My life took a bleak turn yesterday and this video was a good watch today. Well spoken sir, thank you for posting this.

[@behinddestiny]

"There is meaning in loving and being loved, and in hearing and being heard." Dang, John. I love this.

[@wakingcharade]

I appreciate the "a certain strain of nihilism" and wish you continued to refer to it as that, clunky as it may be. Nihilism is a necessary tool, a necessary step. To be able to create meaning that matters, one must first feel empowered to challenge and reject meanings one is taught. To build something new, one must first be able to reject and challenge and examine and reconstruct. From Father's and Son's “A Nihilist is a man who declines to bow to authority, or to accept any principle on trust, however sanctified it may be.” - but as the book so beautifully illustrates, while it is necessary to have the intellectual, philosophical and political freedom to negate - to deny - that isn't - can't be - the end of the story. And I think this video puts that next part to words well - my only linguistic quibble is that constructing meaning, your own meaning that is powerful for you and your life - isn't a rejection of nihilism, so much as a complement to it. I wouldn't even call it moving past, rightly, because I think nihilism holds power and importance even after we have constructed some sort of meaning out of the chaos for ourselves - holding on to what nihilism offers - the rejection, the denial, the refusal to accept anything on faith - lets us, at any time, apply the same tools to whatever meaning we've constructed if its not working for us, or if someone presents us with evidence that forces a reexamination. Nihilism reminds us that any meaning can be denied, any construct taken down, any scaffolding rebuilt into a different configuration. It is the tools of deconstruction - and they are a required companion to the tools of building fresh.

[@trentgraham465]

I used to be a bit of a Nihilist, as a way of coping with anxiety. If nothing really matters then you don't have to worry about it so much. Then I had a child, and things changed. I could never convince myself that she didn't really matter or even conceive of trying to convince myself. I had to learn completely new ways to cope. I probably have a healthier mindset now, but it was a challenge adjusting.

[@b4lla108]

children do have this effect. like, i refuse to believe that this tiny person full of life and hope does not matter.

[@jade_is_tired]

That’s existentialism, I think. The nihilist’s perspective is that we don’t have an intrinsic purpose for being alive, so what we do in life doesn’t matter. Existentialism, as far as I understand it, is accepting that we don’t have an intrinsic purpose but knowing that we NEED things to matter so we create our own purpose.

[@MasterCrander]

"We don't live in the grand scheme of things," hit me like a bullet train running 10min early.

[@mars_girl]

This was such a perfectly timed video. I consider myself to be an ultimately optimistic person, but I've been pretty stressed the last few months and detaching by default. But we are here to give each other meaning, and there is value in our lives. Thank you for the reminder♥️

[@garden.alchemi]

These four-minute videos are becoming a daily prayer. 🙏 These four-minutes speak to a lifetime of internal sorrow caused by modern chaos and back-to-back existential dread. Thank you for these. When it comes to deciding what to post about, it's easy to think that no one wants to consume "downer" topics. But this was so needed. Thank you for following the inspiration to put this together and share it with us. 💖

[@QuicklyLiquid]

I understand that being a youtube channel I have followed for 7 years which uploads twice a week means the chances are higher than zero, but I still find myself astounded at JUST how often you two seem to speak the words I need, right as I need them. Thanks for this one, John.

[@9acidthings]

It's very easy to get desensitized when everyday horrific news is intertwined with and accompanied by memes, but it's heartwarming to hear that genuine feeling is still worth something. Yesterday I saw a very good old PBS Space Time video about the Fermi paradox (mostly the Rare Earth hypothesis) and some possible causes of origin of life on this planet. Even if the Rare Earth hypothesis is wrong, it was nice to be reminded of how precious life really is, how unbelievably lucky we are, and how all our everyday struggles are mere distractions from that fact. Your video made me feel the same. Thank you for the video John, it was a blessing to hear that today. ❤

[@gideonelliott9704]

I read "Mountains Beyond Mountains" earlier this year and there's a quote in there from Dr. Paul Farmer on fighting "the long defeat" and how "winning" is not necessarily the point of a life's work (or a life's worth for that matter). And I think about something John said, paraphrasing Hank, about making your own joy and I think this is also true of creating meaning. We are a story that we tell ourselves, and the story itself matters, I think.

[@flowerheit4512]

"the long defeat" is something that really stuck with me from that book too!

[@GlubboMode]

The 'long defeat' thing really stuck with me too 😊😊

[@The8BitPianist]

"... But we don't live in the grand scheme of things." I needed that

[@emilycarr2913]

After watching your advice video a few weeks ago (and taking advice from technically a stranger), I have really started thinking about where I’m placing my attention and it has actually helped me quite a bit to filter out things that aren’t truly important to me so thank you!

[@lizardmilk]

I am more of a Hank than a John, but sometimes your words awaken the John in me. Thank you.

[@PatrickJoannisse]

That felt like a bonus chapter of The Anthropocene Reviewed. "I give nihilism, 2 stars"

[@Up4Renewal]

"Live in the layers, not on the litter". Watching this made me think of that quote from Stanley Kunitz. That's never a bad thing to me.

[@Liz-xn7iq]

I was just talking to a teacher about your book and how interesting humanity is. We just said that nothing really matters but everything matters

[@vlogbrothers]

That is a good summary of my belief. -John

[@matthewmagda4971]

Speciesism

[@jonathancangelosi2439]

"We don't live in the grand scheme of things." Wow, that line really resonated with me. It feels like a radical acceptance of our insignificance in the cosmos while still being able to create meaning in our lives.

[@Hannah-ologist]

I'm watching this video on my phone while finding books to send out through interlibrary loan from the university library i work at. I've never felt less nihilism than walking through the thousands of shouts into the dark from writers, both living and dead. Thanks John.

[@rafieldcorn1385]

Vey nice!

[@damonteufel]

My take on (Nietzsche-an) Nihilism was "Life is meaningless, which means WE get to create our own meaning. And if we're in charge of what our life means, why not try to be the best person (ubermensch ) possible?" I don't think nihilism itself is negative. It's an honest observation. What you do with that information is something else.

[@annaathena5764]

I would argue that this is definitely in the top 5 vlogbrothers videos of all time for me, which is already a very high bar, and exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.

[@Yaseres]

I don't comment in this darkness too often, but I've been having a hard time of late and I really needed this. Thank you, John.

[@browncesario]

what strikes me so much about the nothing matters everyone’s going to die mentality is like, don’t you want things to suck less before then?? don’t you want it to suck less for people who will be here when you do die???

[@Szanth]

Nihilism is a coping mechanism for powerlessness, it doesn't matter if the individual person *wants* anything, they're coping with their inability to affect that change in the way they want regardless, so not caring (in theory) keeps you from, at the very least, being constantly hurt by disappointment.

[@browncesario]

@@Szanth yes i understand the thought process behind it i just think it’s a weak one. it’s why you see a lot of teenagers experimenting with the thought process. it’s not sustainable. i don’t buy that they’re not being hurt by disappointment though. why else attach to it.

[@Szanth]

@@browncesario That's why I said (in theory). And that's why asking whether they want things to be better isn't going to resonate with any of them.

[@timothyhicks3643]

My moral foundation is built on two premises: 1) I want to be taken seriously when I say I want my life to not suck. 2) I am not special. Therefore, everyone’s desire for a life free of suck should be taken seriously. If we want to take seriously the prospect of making the world better, we don’t need to believe in objective meaning, but we do need to reject defeatism!

[@Szanth]

@@timothyhicks3643 I'd love to reject defeatism, but I'd love if it happened reality-first rather than optimism-first-into-reality. I feel defeated by the state of the world. All the institutions currently in place are designed to defeat all the change I want to see.

[@starrynight_._]

this is something i think about every single day. i always thought i was alone and it scared me, but this soothed me. my favorite quote ever is “leave the world a little better than you found it,” and i live by that.

[@matthewneubeck4421]

The best Vlogbrothers video in years. And that’s a pretty high bar.

[@roy4173]

John I think you just described optimistic nihilism! Optimistic nihilism views the belief that there is no underlying meaning to life from a perspective of hope. It’s not that we’re doomed to live in a meaningless universe-it’s that we get the chance to experience ourselves and the universe we share. The optimistic nihilist looks at a world lacking meaning and purpose and sees the opportunity to create their own. We don't need meaning to be provided to us on a silver platter. Instead, each day that we create, ponder, and love is a day that we have etched upon this tiny speck of the universe meaning. And it doesn't need to reverberate throughout the galaxy. If it is meaningful to us, then it's enough.

[@metagnat]

This reminds me of the motto I hold close, a quote from Douglas Adams: "If sentient life is to exist in a universe this vast, the one thing it cannot afford to have is a sense of perspective." In its original context it is a caution about comparing yourself to the universe. In my context it's a reminder to not let the fact that the sun is going to burn out keep me from eating and whatnot. We must view things relative to ourselves to survive and thrive, and while an awareness of the many larger contexts available from which to view things is helpful in certain situations and disciplines, the centering of the self and the family group and the tribe and the species is not a rejection of those literally universal perspectives, it is a way of weighing them against the self and yet remaining sane (more or less).

[@InefficientCustard]

It seems bizarre to me that people think something lasting a long time, or being very large gives it a magic spark of significance.

[@jackkrell4238]

@@InefficientCustardcould you please expound on that notion.

[@matthewaffeltranger7654]

I love this channel. It's keeping me safe.

[@RitaTheNerd234]

This is why I love John and his skill with crafting words to say what I need to hear. I love hearing how he finds humanity beautiful and worthwhile to remind me of my belief that humans are intrinsically good and to remember that life isn’t easy, but it is beautiful.

[@dinofrog926]

I’ve long liked the idea of being stranded on a deserted island in the middle of a gigantic ocean, learning details about the rocks and plants and caves that no one else will ever know as well as you. Carving your name on a wall to mark you were here. No matter how small and insignificant to the world, I would feel comfort in knowing that this spot was mine and i got to know it like no one else will. That is essentially how I view our lives. No matter how little time and small a space we take up in the universe, we are carving in our spot into the history of spacetime. Like a single novel in an infinite library detailing all of existence, our lives may not be significant, but still they existed, in all their complexity and elaborate detail. Even our subjective experience existed. We were here. And while our island is small and our time short we got to experience all of the strangeness, beauty and incredible detail on our part on the fractal of the universe. That time is now! This is our time in the universe. Let’s make our mark something we would be proud to claim as our own 🎉

[@charken1378]

"we dont live in the grand scheme of things" there are a lot of really good lines in this viceo but this one really stood out to me. this years been a shitshow, and the Grand Scheme of things has seemed really rocky. this perspective and the timing has been Really Great, and a nice reminder that even if the grand scheme of things might seem hopeless the individual moments can still be great and Meaningful. thansk for the video

[@angelal8829]

I am in a much less cynical place than I was when I was younger and this community has been a very important part of that development. So grateful for John and Hank and everyone’s work to imbue empathy and meaning and work to make change in the face of, you know, gestures broadly.

[@brionosullivan1992]

“But we don’t live “in the grand scheme of things”” - I really like that quote

[@troyhuckendubler6397]

"Now of course none of this matters in the grand scheme of things...but we don't live in the grand scheme of things." I struggle rather profoundly with anxiety and a bit of nihilism, and this is the single most uplifting and profound statement I have ever hear. I needed this. I am changed. Thank you John.

[@mschrisfrank2420]

I like the quote from Angel: The Series episode Epiphany: “If nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do.” I get to make my own meaning and that’s what makes my life meaningful.

[@cmmosher8035]

Interesting. I don't remember this line or episode but it lines up with my view that if there is no grand purpose to the universe then we are free to give our lives the meaning we want or need it to have.

[@lindsay3375]

John, this is the second time you have led me away from nihilism in a time of despair. Thank you.

[@xerk2945]

You're always good at helping me stave off my internal darkness. To give another facet of meaning, John is looking more like an actual Yeti, which is ironic.

[@kassiep]

This manages to come out just afew 2 days of such severe depression I've had to take medication to get me through (very rare for me!). Thanks for making things make sense and fall back into meaning and place again ❤️ you'll never know how much these videos mean to people

[@onytay75]

Pizzamas is coming says the beard

[@johncargille7722]

I am in the darkness, at times. And often, it is your voice that reaches out to me first. Thank you, John, for your continuing optimism. It is a godsend.

[@wednesdaysartcastle9018]

The other day I was helping a friend out, and somewhere in the conversation I told them “you do not owe the world nihilism.” I had to step back for a moment because that is something I’ve been trying to figure out how to say to myself for years. ❤

[@hiddenrain2992]

Kind of needed to hear this today…thank you. Burnt out from college, making ends meet and feeling like I’m stuck in a pit of of a hole, thanks for reminding that there is still a light to look forward to.

[@ginnyweasley248]

John, I graduated from high school today (I’m Australian) and this is such a beautiful video for transitioning to the next stage of my life. “We don’t live in the grand scheme of things,” and I am ready to move from my old scheme of things to a new one. Here’s to optimism, learning, and exploring new schemes of things- DFTBA

[@PrestoJacobson]

Thanks Ginny Weasley

[@ginnyweasley248]

@@PrestoJacobson You're welcome KZbin user Presto Wing!

[@PrestoJacobson]

@@ginnyweasley248 no problem

[@injeraenjoyer4570]

God, you are so good with words, John. I am so glad you've decided to put a good deal of them on paper.

[@ninapenny431]

John’s eyebrows are like star crossed lovers, dreaming that one day they will reach across the distance for that one sweet embrace, knowing that they may only be drifting farther with time but remaining hopeful nonetheless

[@xfreja]

💀💀💀

[@jessd8357]

I so appreciate you including “and allowing others to love and help us” 🍪

[@jbrovage]

This is a great message. Optimisim is not in style right now, but it's not stopping me from embracing it.

[@vee361-e1c]

I agree. Without optimism there is nothing. And you can choose to have optimism. So why not embrace it wherever you can find it?

[@meddafour7289]

I really needed this John

[@allak8077]

“Speak momma, round here the quiet die young” from Rainbow Kitten Surprise Also this is exactly and directly what existentialism is about. You assign meaning to your life.

[@SaskatchewanICE]

Boone, NC 😁 ☮️

[@HickoryJ]

@@SaskatchewanICE my hometown!

[@rachelebono2683]

You just perfectly expressed what I’ve been trying to articulate to the many members of my generation who are exhausted and have given into the paralyzation of nihilism. I will never stop caring. The guilt of turning your eyes away from injustice and not stepping up at every given opportunity is exhausting. But what am I gonna do, just not care?? If that’s the system that we operate under, then I don’t want to be here. The human potential for goodness, empathy, and utter selflessness and generosity will always give me hope and joy. Every person I meet and share space with is an honor to have known even just a little.

[@mg7977]

The scary reality is that embracing meaning, instead of nihilism, also requires us to embrace sadness. But the flipside of that is that embracing nihilism costs us any chance of experiencing joy, and leads to despair, which feels so much worse than sadness. I don't know much, but if I know anything, I know this: embrace sadness. Speak the truth of your sadness out loud-for realsies, not despair, not the cynicism, not the rationalization, but the tender feelings-and cry it out. You will feel so much better afterwards.

[@nessidoe8080]

So true. Well said. Made a screenshot of it because it's so on point. Thank you

[@billyalarie929]

@@nessidoe8080 literally about to do the same thing and apply it to my endeavors as a writer

[@rmdodsonbills]

Yes, I agree. Feel your feelings whatever they are. Feel them as necessary. You might occasionally need to set them aside long enough to get milk and bread or whatever but don't be afraid to come back to them from time to time. And definitely talk about them or at least don't be afraid to. Not everyone can be trusted with your feelings, but most people can, so go head and reach out.

[@d.f.4830]

I mean, there’s too much sadness in the world to really be accommodated. If we acted like the world was the way it actually is, we’d never be able to do anything but scream. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@b4lla108]

Yes. So many people try to "fix" their sadness, or ignore it. But by honoring your sadness, and sitting with it for a while, you realize that it is human and common and perfectly fine.

[@quasarsavage]

cried a lot at this one, god damn John I love u man. We gotta keep going.

[@davidsixtwo]

I'm really glad to hear this perspective. So much is so nihilistic.

[@painunending4610]

Personally I think more people being nihilistic is a good thing. More and more people are waking up and realising this shit kinda sucks and it's probably gonna keep doing this It's just what they do from there is a the problem. But I don't blame people for shutting down and giving up. More power to them Certainly makes me feel less alone

[@StoneAndersonStudio]

I love this. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend watching Everything Everywhere All at Once. It is the single most profound piece of media that explores, embraces, dives into, and refutes nihilism that I have personally experienced. It helps put into experience the feelings I have grappling with all of this. The film’s ultimate refutation of nihilism is similar to what you’re saying- we are important, and we don’t live in a cosmic scale. Everything is so big, but the people we love are here now (or were here recently). And we’re doing it together. Together. We’re all here. We’re here because we’re here. Thanks John.

[@XxDeathxX509]

This is the “argument” against nihilism that I see constantly when I try to find something that’s actually definitive proof against nihilism. First they acknowledge that there is no meaning, and then add their twist of “so what? You give your life meaning” so then it all boils down to if you have a good life. And that can be seen in the form of perspective, like yeah maybe my life sucks ass but I’m not living under a cardboard box, or I’m not a victim of a psychopath that tortures me on a daily basis” and this to me feels like an excuse to be grateful for what you have. Which to a certain degree you should but just because you do doesn’t mean your life sucks any less compared to others. The problem I have with “give your life meaning” is that some people actually can’t. People who don’t have the mental health they need or can’t afford it can’t just wave a magic wand and give their life meaning when they slump back into the depressive thoughts of nihilism. The only outcome you have at “giving your life meaning” is to basically have a life that you’re happy with, and for some people that’s an impossible task. What I’ve taken from this is basically reject nihilism because it makes you unhealthy, which I totally agree with. But that’s not a definitive argument against nihilism, that’s just instructions on bettering your life. For the lonely thinkers like me who waste time trying to find the answer, well this advice doesn’t bode well

[@EmInMI80]

Thanks John. I was a healthcare chaplain during the pandemic and your words really touched me this evening. I am interviewing for another chaplain job tomorrow and I’m wrestling with if I have the heart to throw myself into that all again.

[@sambone2809]

Reading Nietzsche was a great way for me to overcome nihilism

[@yarn7130]

My dad passed just over a year ago, and I've been feeling the nihilism pretty hard lately. Thanks for shouting into the Void, it made me remember his endless curiosity and delight in the silliness of reality, and even though it means nothing eventually, there is still joy to be had now.

[@johnjoyce1671]

Hell yeah, tell 'em John. If anyone wants to watch something that tackles the pain of nihilism and the antidote to it, go check out Everything Everywhere All at Once, does a fantastic job of exploring it while still being fun as hell to watch.

[@abbyncisreid]

One of my favorite phrases to say is “well none of it matters on the geologic timescale!” and as an earth science teaching grad student, it often gets laughs among my audience haha (but beautiful video John, thank you!)

[@karley3679]

"I think there is meaning in human life because there is meaning in us and how we are bound together. There is meaning in loving and being loved, and in hearing and being heard." -John Green 2022 (unless he was quoting someone else just then, then oops! lol) But I do adore the way this man strings words together!!!

[@THEdavehogue]

“Hurling words into the darkness” is the most eloquent turn of phrase I’ve ever heard to describe screaming into the void

[@Pecisk]

I am afraid where this world is going, but these words encouraged me to see trough another day. Thank you!

[@devanasu627]

This is a video I just keep coming back too every once in a while. Every minute or so in this I keep thinking “damn, that’s a really good point” and it brightens my day, which, as an optimist, is pretty therapeutic

[@Groovebot3k]

If everyone who said 'nothing matters' actually meant it, they'd never tell anyone in the first place.

[@davidlakhter]

great message! "but we don't live in the grand scheme of things" is a great point

[@tajhamarleau6700]

John out here making me cry again because I'm just so tired and I can feel myself slipping into nihilism. I don't like it but I don't really know how to stop it or if I would have the energy to even if I did know how.

[@TheAnnaK74]

Let someone IRL know what you are dealing with.

[@miriamg495]

Seconding @anna kanowski. And also, it's okay to take some time to rest when you're tired--whatever "resting" means in your context, whether it's physical rest, or not expending so much emotional energy on things you can't personally change directly, or whatever. Taking time to rest is NOT the same thing as giving up. There's a reason why taking one day a week to rest is a commandment in the Bible. (And maybe in other religious traditions too? I don't know.) And there's a reason why children grow in spurts, not all at once, and why plants go dormant at some times of year. There are rhythms in our lives, times for acting and times for letting others be the ones to carry the weight, and that's okay.

[@5amJones69]

''We don't live in the grand scheme of things.'' Really got to me and is something I'll take away with me into the overwhelming challenges we face together. Thanks John.

[@RS-ny8my]

I’m an optimistic nihilist. I think one very important thing to remember is that when we say ‘nothing matters’ we are forgetting a very important question: *who* does it matter to? How can something matter if it doesn’t matter to *someone* ? So remember, you matter because you matter to *yourself* and *other people* . Human lives matter because they matter *to other human beings* . Always remember that by *loving* someone, *you make them matter* . When *someone loves you* , or when *you love yourself* , it *makes yourself matter* .

[@flowerheit4512]

+

[@TomorrowStudios]

+

[@marcolina7441]

+

[@rafieldcorn1385]

Beautifully put

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

What a useless ideology.

[@Kaiasky]

my college had a tradition of students breaking in to locked rooms and the maintenance basements and exploring them. And people would write on the walls and ceilings and pipes, and draw murals. Some of them were pop culture references, or lewd phrases, but a lot of them were what John calls words, hurled into the darkness. Generations of people, from 1970 to now, pouring their pain and hope into poems and murals that could speak to whoever else would see them. There's one down there where the entire hallway is painted black and a single burning matchstick stands out in stark contrast. It reads, "there's no light at the end of the tunnel / so it's a good thing we brought matches". It's maybe the most beautiful piece of art I've ever seen.

[@japita1578]

Looking at John’s facial hair reminded me that pizzamas is almost here!! Time is fake